As the women approached the road, which was already busy with morning traffic, they became progressively leery. Although at that point in time both thought it unlikely that the Nurses International people would still be out patrolling for them, there was always a chance. To be safe rather than sorry, they kept themselves behind trees while looking up and down the road, which was choked not only with vehicles but also with people. The pedestrians were either walking toward the city or lounging in the morning sun.

“What do you think?” Jennifer asked.

“I think we’re free and clear.”

“What are you going to do?” Jennifer asked. “Where are you going to go?”

“I don’t know,” Veena admitted.

“Then I’ll tell you where you are going. You’re coming back with me and staying in my room until we figure it out. Do we have a deal?”

“We have a deal,” Veena said.

It took a while to catch a taxi, but they finally got a driver en route into town to start his day. When they got to the Amal Palace Hotel, Jennifer asked him if he could wait while she got some cash, but Veena paid.

As they walked in, Sumit, the head concierge, caught sight of her and was beside himself. He called out to her with great eagerness: “Welcome, Miss Hernandez! Your friends just came in.” He rushed out from behind his desk and with tails flapping ran down to the elevators. A moment later he reappeared with a triumphant look on his face and with Laurie and Jack in tow. He’d nabbed them before they’d managed to catch an elevator.

When Laurie caught sight of Jennifer, she broke into a run. Her smile was from ear to ear. “Jennifer, my goodness!” she shouted, giving Jennifer a sustained hug. Jack did the same.

Jennifer introduced Veena as her savior. “We’re going to have showers and then come down for a big breakfast,” she added. “You guys want to join us?”

“We’d love to,” Laurie said, still shocked but utterly pleased at Jennifer’s unexpected arrival. “I’m sure Neil would like to as well.”

The foursome proceeded on to the elevators.

“I have a feeling you have quite a story to tell,” Laurie said.

“Thanks to Veena, I do,” Jennifer said.

They boarded, and the operator pressed seven for Jack and Laurie and nine for Jennifer. He had an impressive memory.

“I learned a new Indian legal term this morning on the way here in the taxi,” Jennifer said. “To turn approver.”

“That sounds curious,” Laurie said. “What does it mean?”

“It means to turn state’s evidence, and Veena is going to do just that.”

Epilogue

Epilogue

OCTOBER 20, 2007
SATURDAY, 11:30 P.M.
RAXAUL, INDIA